Gripsure decking has been used in the development of a new sales pavilion at Swanwick Marina in Southampton.

The state-of-the-art building, which opened last summer, provides 14 highquality units, which are home to some of the biggest names in the boat business, including Ancasta, Fleming Yachts, MiCats, Nautor’s Swan, Nordhavn, Pearl Yachts, Princess Yachts, Sanlorenzo Yachts and Sunseeker International.

The sales pavilion, known as The Saltings, uses Gripsure’s MOSO Bamboo X-treme with Gripsure decking, creating an attractive and slip resistant space for berth holders.

The profile was chosen for its durability and style, which is very much in keeping with the overall look of the marina. The range boasts best in class for its environmental credentials, strength, stability, and longevity, whilst achieving a Euroclass B fire rating without the need for external treatment.

The decking installer was Amiri Construction and the order for the Gripsure product was processed through Covers Timber and Builders’ Merchants in Gosport.

“It was a huge project and the final result looks amazing,” said Covers sales representative Lynn Ward. “The bamboo decking that was used is absolutely top spec and very hardwearing. It will definitely do the job.”

The completion of the sales pavilion was a key stage in the £8m regeneration of Swanwick Marina. Other stages include the development of a new restaurant and a berth holders’ lounge.

Meanwhile, Gripsure decking has also been used to provide safe outdoor areas at a learning centre and holiday lodges owned by a Cornish sailing charity.

The Children’s Sailing Trust has taught more than 5,000 youngsters to sail since it was established on the Helford River in 1997. The charity offers accessible sailing to children who might not otherwise get the opportunity to get out on the water, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Gripsure’s non-slip decking has been used to create safe outdoor spaces at the trust’s recently opened public waterside Learning Centre at Trevassack Lake on The Lizard, as well as outside six holiday properties at the same site. The three accessible lodges and three cabins, all with inset hot tubs, are available for people to rent and help to raise important funds for the charity.

Charity staff say the decking areas had to be non-slip and accessible, as well as in keeping with the style of the site. Up to 3,850 linear meters of Gripsure’s Contemporary profile boards have been used around two sides of the public waterside at the Learning Centre, including the outside eating area.

The Contemporary boards also form the large decking area outside each of the holiday properties. The lakeside has three architect-designed lodges, two of which are fully accessible with integrated ceiling hoists, adjustable kitchen facilities, wide doorways and other aids.

There are also three double-depth cabins, more suitable for non-disabled guests or those with some mobility limitations.

“The non-slip surface is very important because we have children running around and people with mobility difficulties who need to have safe, level walkways,” said Katie Chown, marketing manager at Children’s Sailing Trust. “We chose the Contemporary profile because we are a brand new site with purpose-built, modern facilities to welcome all ages and abilities, so all the finishings and furnishings are classic, modern and good quality.”

Gripsure’s low maintenance Contemporary profile boards are made from high-quality northern European redwood. They have an expected service life of 15-20 years and a 15-year non-slip performance warranty.

The decking areas at Trevassack Lake were fitted through contractor Brady Construction. Alastair Knight from Brady said although tough to cut, the boards blended in with the look of the centre and holiday properties. “It all looked really good in the end,” he said. “Apart from blunting a few cutting tools, everything else was brilliant. The decking fitted in very well.”